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Monday, November 11, 2013

Monday Moments: Remembrance Day

What does Remembrance Day mean to you? What comes to mind?

Is it just another day on the calendar? Another "Monday" to start the week? A holiday?

November 11th, to me, is one of great importance.

I remember our history. As Canadians, we may not have a large army of which to boast, but we can be PROUD of the men and women have given of themselves. We can be thankful for our freedoms. Grateful for Their willingness to fight...and for Their families to graciously lend them to our country.

It makes me sad to see fewer and fewer people wear the Poppy. As more of our Veterans pass away, and we are further away from the wars of the past, we are..forgetting.

Let's not throw away Their sacrifice. Their dreams to leave a legacy behind. Their hopes of leaving behind a better and safer world for posterity.

McCrae's "In Flanders Fields" is the poem that springs to mind on and around Remembrance Day. I learned it when I was in school and have appreciated as I've grown older. This poem remains as one of the most memorable war poems ever written. It is the impression of a Doctor as he looked upon the tragedy of the terrible battle in the Ypres salient in the spring of 1915.

In Flanders Fields 
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.


Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

My heartfelt gratitude to those who are and were willing--and brave enough--to fight for the freedoms I enjoy today.

So proud to be Canadian!

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